Two late Proterozoic carbonate horizons, the Brandberg West and Gemsbok River Formations, are well exposed in the Zerrissene Basin of the Damara Orogen in west-central Namibia. These two units are interbedded with deep marine grey wackes and schists which were deposited in an outer-fan environment. The lower parts of both formations comprise interbedded white clastic carbonates (facies Cc) and pelagic shales (facies G), which are laterally persistent. The upper portions of both sequences consist dominantly of laminated hemi-pelagic carbonates (facies Gc). In addition in the Gemsbok River Formation some facies Cc and G beds are found, as well as discontinuous beds of coarse breccia (facies Ac). The lower parts of both formations are interpreted as representing intermittent deposition of carbonate turbidites with continuous background pelagic settling of terrigenous muds. This was succeeded by a period when hemi-pelagic carbonates dominated with minor input of clastics into the system. Palaeocurrent interpretations are difficult due to the effects of deformation, but the distribution of facies suggests a possible source to the west.